XCBR-77 Excalibur
Power Generation
Powered by twin semi-stable nuclear fission generators, the Excalibur is somewhat unique in its use of the more dangerous reactors, harnessing the enhanced energy output and containing the side effects better than almost any other frame through the use of a hybrid jumpjet/exhaust vent system. These unstable reactors operate in a constant state of near meltdown, needing to constantly be outputting a large amount of energy or not at all to keep from melting themselves to sludge. This means that even lighter damage to the reactor itself can be quite catastrophic. Located one on each side of the mech’s chest, thick armor protects the reactors from damage, which would easily trigger a meltdown internally if said damage occurred. A notable weakness is the direct exhaust vent lines on the back mounted jumpjets that provide a more direct and less protected shot to the contained reactors. As these mechs are constantly venting nuclear exhaust, large amounts of both heat and radiation are emitted, which both increased the mech’s signature and can post a danger to any nearby that may not be radiation shielded. To help mitigate heat from building up to a critical amount inside the mech, the Excalibur also utilizes its armored pylons in addition to numerous jet/vents to passively radiate heat away from the chassis.
Propulsion
Omnifiber Muscle Strands run underneath these mechs’ armored paneling, allowing for excellent speed and overall mobility. Further bolstering these synthetic muscles are reinforced joints that increase rigidity and overall structural integrity. Additionally, jump jets mounted on the mech’s back as well as waists and calves can serve as directional control and dampen the effects of inertia when needed, of course also being capable of launching the Excalibur into temporary flight. The back mounted jump jets are, of course, by far the most powerful, with slanted vents on the back to lend a boost towards vertical and forward movement simultaneously and more standard vertical jets on the bottom for more powerful but shorter in duration boosts. When firing at full power, the calf thrusters will also kick in, allowing the mech stay in the air for up to 20 seconds at a time before power becomes insufficient and heat builds to dangerous levels. The waist mounted jet is oriented on the X axis instead, and is meant to control direction and side to side motion, as well as for rapid spins and evasive maneuvers. Overall, the Excalibur is one of the more maneuverable mechs of the age, although it tends to fall somewhat into the category of Jack of all traits master of none when it comes to mobility, as dedicated flyer or sprinter mechs can both outpace the Excalibur in kind.
Weapons & Armament
The primary armament of these mechs is the Mk-VII Pyreblade, which falls into the classification of heat sword. This 8-meter-long blade is forged from thermoresistant tungsten-ceramic alloy, allowing it to withstand temperatures exceeding 3,500°C without losing structural integrity. When activated, the internal heating system superheats the blade until it glows white-hot, reaching an initial temperature of 2,000°C. Simultaneously, a specialized highly flammable gas mixture is pumped through a network of microchannels within the blade, venting through precision-drilled exhaust ports along its length. Upon ignition, the resulting inferno raises the cutting edge’s temperature beyond 3,200°C, allowing it to cleave through reinforced armor plating, composite materials, and even certain energy shielding with terrifying efficiency. The blade’s intense heat also creates small localized thermal shockwaves, causing metal to crack and shatter upon contact rather than merely melting.
Sensors
The sensor array suite located in the head of the mech, as standard, is quite capable. The primary optical sensor can magnify its view up to 60 times, as well as having view modes for enhanced thermal and night vision. These have an active detection mode where enemy vehicles are automatically highlighted for the rider to view, with mechs designated as friendly being shown in a different outline color. The dilation lens on the front of the optic also protects from damage by IR dazzler or other anti-vision weapons, with an array of its own IR lasers to the sides of it that can blind enemies’ optics in kind. Triple buffed mic rods also serve to greatly enhance audio perception capabilities to pierce through the din of combat and even audio flooding equipment to pick out orders or any other tactical callouts from command or teammates. Lastly, the sensor suite is capable of detected a lock from incoming missiles, as well as typically being able to trace the projectile’s trajectory to its point of origin to allow for quick elimination of the threat.
Cockpit
Excaliburs utilize a sort of internal mechanical motion tracking system to dictate mech articulation. The cockpit itself is housed within the chest of the mech, and consists of a cavity with mechanical links that attach to every joint of its rider to capture even minute movements. Robot arms connect to each of these links, and the motion is captured both through measuring the flexing of the robot arms and through digital tracking of the limbs. Additional arms that link to the rider’s torso suspend them in the center of the chest, allowing for friction free input with real delay due to weight simulated by the robotic arms. The rider also wears a helmet with integrated goggles that display the direct line of sight from the mechs optics, but can also be toggled to be from the rider’s POV, digitally allowing the user to look around the mech through small cameras on the outside of the hull as if there was nothing there. Weapon usage such has igniting and extinguishing the blade is done via a series of triggers and buttons on the hand grips.
Manufacturer
Owning Organization
Price
$265.9 million
Rarity
32,245 produced
Related Technologies
Height
44’10”
Weight
49 tons
Speed
48 mph (107 mph flying)
Complement / Crew
1 rider
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